Five members of the Iranian women’s soccer team have been granted humanitarian visas while in Australia.
The decision follows concerns the players could face serious safety risks if they were forced to return to Iran.
The Refugee Council of Australia says the move highlights the importance of Australia’s protection visa system, which allows people already in the country to seek safety if they fear persecution or harm in their home country.
Image: Photo by Farshid Jhm.Moghadam on Unsplash
Featured In Story: Rebecca Eckard – Director of Policy and research of Refugee Council of Australia
First aired on The Wire, Tuesday 10 March 2026